The Centre blocking the Odisha government’s ordinance to bring the Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar and eight associated temples around the 11th century shrine under a special law has triggered a political slugfest between the ruling BJD and the Opposition BJP in the State.
The Union government blocked the ordinance by citing the reason that it could lead to conflict with the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act). The Odisha government has been further told that the ordinance is not within the power of the State government. As per the Central government, the ordinance is outside the ‘legislative competence’ of the state legislature.
However, State Minister Ashok Panda has put a question mark over Centre’s motive in this regard.
“Is AMASR Act being followed properly at Kashi Bishwanath, Somnath and Kedarnath temples? During landslides, construction works were carried out in the prohibited areas of these temples to extend different kinds of facilities to the devotees visiting these shrines. Then why a different kind of rules is set for the developmental activities around Lingaraj temple?” asked Panda.
“Earlier, the State government has clarified on the Lingaraj temple ordinance to the Centre over video conferencing twice. If the Centre had any doubt over it, the State could have clarified on it once again,” he said.
On the other hand, the State BJP has clarified that the Centre is not opposing developmental activities, rather those should be conducted as per the legal procedures enshrined in the constitution.
“We have a constitution in place. Law should be interpreted properly and every developmental activity should be undertaken as per the law,” said Odisha BJP President Samir Mohanty.